In a high-stakes primary battle, Representative Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat from Bronx and Westchester, is appealing for support, warning that the future of humanity could hinge on the outcome of his contest against Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
A fundraising text from Bowman's campaign, shared by a Business Insider reporter, stated, Its Rep. Jamaal Bowman. I need your help. And it is not dramatic to say the course of human history may depend on it.
The text further warned about the potential influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on the election, stating, As bad as things are nowI cannot overstate how much worse they will be if AIPAC succeeds in buying this election. This statement reflects the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, a situation that Bowman has been vocal about, advocating for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian relief in Gaza.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for AIPAC defended the organization's advocacy work, stating, We are proud to engage in the democratic process to help elect pro-Israel candidates who stand with the Jewish state as it battles Iranian terrorist proxies. The spokesperson further added, We will not be deterred in our efforts by those who stand with fringe anti-Israel extremists.
As part of his campaign strategy, Bowman is seeking the endorsement of the New York Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (NYC-DSA), despite a previous clash with the organization over his visit to Israel and his vote to replenish the Iron Dome missile defense system in 2021. The NYC-DSA had considered expelling Bowman but ultimately decided against it, citing his advocacy for Palestinians. However, Bowman later let his DSA membership lapse.
Bowman's ties to the NYC-DSA have been a point of contention for his critics. The NYC-DSA had to issue an apology last October for promoting a rally in Times Square following a deadly Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. During the rally, protesters were seen stomping on Israels flag, and one individual was seen displaying a swastika.
Latimer, who enjoys significant financial backing from AIPAC, has criticized Bowman for his public stances on the Israel-Hamas conflict. For instance, Bowman recently argued that the phrase From the river to the sea often interpreted as a call to eliminate the Jewish state wasn't hateful. Latimer countered that the phrase is antisemitic.
Bowman's primary battle is part of a broader trend, with several of his fellow Squad members, including Representatives Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Ilham Omar (D-Minn.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), also facing primary challenges. These contests have been largely influenced by disagreements over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Bowman's race, however, is generally considered one of the most competitive ongoing primaries against a Squad member.
The primary election is scheduled for June 25.
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